ARTICLES / DANGERS OF ISOCYANATES

Why Choose Low VOC Polyurethane?

8/22/2018

With the movement towards environmentally-safe products, one of the most important is choosing low VOC polyurethane whenever possible. By understanding what polyurethane is, how it affects your life, and why it needs to be virtually free of VOCs you’ll help yourself make the best-informed decision about which products to purchase and live a longer healthier life.

Polyurethane is a combination of polymer and carbamate which is used in a wide variety of products. The inherent strength, durability, temperature resistance, and flexibility of polyurethane makes it the perfect substance for the following;

Foam Seals & Gaskets

Elastomeric Tires & Wheels

Electrical Potting Compounds

High Performance Adhesives

Surface Coatings & Sealants

Synthetic Fibers

Underlays for Carpets and More

In fact, polyurethane is a vital element in so many products that you can find many in your home, office, or facility. You’ll find it in the bed you sleep on, the shoes on your feet, and in many different products that you may not have imagined.

However, polyurethane contains VOCs which can be harmful to those exposed over time. This is especially true with coatings and sealants that are applied wet and dry over time because they are exposed to room temperatures which means that they continue to evaporate.

Why VOCs are Dangerous
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are known to cause health issues for those who are exposed to them over long periods. It used to be common to believe that once coatings and sealants dried, the VOCs were locked inside. Today, it is well known that the VOCs still escape into the air, which causes harm to those who live or work inside the home, office, or facility.

Exposure to VOCs have symptoms that may be mistaken for other causes. The dizziness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes are the first signs which are often overlooked. When left unchecked, they may cause respiratory issues that may adversely affect those with asthma or create allergic reactions. In extreme cases, exposure to VOCs may lead to lung and kidney damage along with the formation of certain cancers.

This is why choosing products with low to no amounts of VOCs is a smart choice. By limiting the VOCs present in coatings and sealants, the risk of health issues is reduced to practically nothing. While even low amounts of VOCs cannot be considered totally safe, their limited exposure to humans even over the long term is far better compared to products which contain high amounts.

Where to Find Low VOC Polyurethane Coatings & Sealants
If you need a new coating or sealant for your garage, warehouse, or other facility that has concrete flooring, then consult with the experts at Hybrid Coating Technologies. We offer the best in strong, durable floor coatings and sealants that contain the protection you want at a low, affordable price with no isocyanates and low VOCs.

Over the years, Hybrid Coating Technologies has developed a strong reputation of producing a wide range of safe, durable products. Call or visit us at Hybrid Coating Technologies and find out more about how we help you.